The Oliverian School: an Alternative New England Boarding School

Nestled on a 1,800-acre campus in beautiful Northern New Hampshire, The Oliverian School provides an inspiring, supportive, and challenging educational alternative for students in grades 9-12. Here in the mountains of New Hampshire, in a unique school environment that combines stewardship, academics, a caring culture, and adventure, students who march to the beat of their own drummer will find support, inspiration, and success. We're confident that students who have struggled in more traditional academic environments will find the right blend of challenge and understanding at Oliverian. The Oliverian School offers rolling admissions.


NEW! The Oliverian School is a college-preparatory boarding school. View our current list of 2009 College Acceptances.

Download our 2008-2009 Student-Parent Handbook (pdf)

Our Mission
Our mission is to educate students, who, despite experiencing difficulties, want to transition to a college preparatory setting where they are inspired and supported as they prepare to succeed in a complex, intricate and ever-changing world. We promote and support a "zest for living" by encouraging self-exploration, spirituality, character formation and integrity, as our students learn to balance their individual needs with those of the community.

12.08.2009
Oliverian Students and Faculty Back Together After Thanksgiving Break
Photographer=Brittany Hoffman '10

12.02.2009
Student Support is the Foundation at Oliverian
The Student Support team has been an unwavering foundation supporting many of the changes at Oliverian in a movement to provide a more structured and secure learning environment for our students. While support is emphasized as coming from all members of our faculty, the core Student Support team includes: Director of Student Support, Lauren Estebanell, Dean of Students, Dean of Academics, Dean of Residential Life, Director of Health Services, our four counselors, and our Assistant Director of Admissions. This group strives to meet the needs of each and every student through key elements, including:

• Counseling Groups
• Individual Counseling
• Advising
• Weekly Act of Kindness
• Student Recognition
• Interact
• Dorm Activities
• Other support programs, such as: Holistic Health and Yoga

Tiffany Zimmerman, our newest counselor, brings the Student Support team a wealth of experience working with struggling teens. Before Oliverian, Tiffany worked in a high school setting as counselor to provide emotional, social and academic support to secondary students. Tiffany’s experience includes individual and group counseling addressing issues such as self esteem, pregnancy and parenting, self-mutilation, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, sexual identity, peer relations, grief, family relations, and personal growth, among others. Visit our faculty bio page to learn more about Tiffany’s background. Please contact Lauren Estebanell, Director of Student Support, for more information about our Student Support program, or visit our Student Support pages on our website, under Caring Culture.

11.23.2009
Students Migrate Home for Thanksgiving Break




















Pictured left, Mandira Sandrolini '10 and James Enright '10 on their way to the airport for Thanksgiving break. Pictured right, Melanie Lohrer '13, Erika Hoddinott, Assistant Director of Admissions/Dorm Parent, and Caroline Hill '10 still packing for their trip home to family.

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11.20.2009
IECA Conference Builds Real Connections and Reinforces our Goals
Erika Hoddinott, Assistant Director of Admissions, Barclay Mackinnon, Head Emeritus/Director of Admissions and I had an exciting and informative trip to the Independent Educational Consultants Association conference in Charlotte, NC recently. In addition to creating real connections with a number of outstanding consultants and school colleagues, we also expanded our knowledge through valuable sessions and workshops. Given that we have an ongoing initiative at Oliverian to ensure that the campus is drug free, I focused a significant portion of my learning and outreach on understanding adolescent vulnerability to drug use and what we can do to support students and prevent abuse.

We attended the fair and information swap for therapeutic programs and schools where I reached out to programs and experts who specialize in treatment for adolescent drug use. I learned a great deal from a special “master class” on Saturday morning with Dr. Jeff Georgi who is the Clinical Director of the Duke University Addictions Program. Dr. Georgi presented an impressive and informative 3 hour class on the latest research on the adolescent brain and several of the potential implications for parents and educators. This workshop, along with many related conversations at the conference, reinforced our determination to ensure that we have a safe and drug free campus.

In line with this effort, we have designed a drug abuse prevention policy that has three layers of guidance and support; including, deterrence based on a clear three strike policy, individual counseling support, and prevention through a drug testing program. Our move to a crystal clear policy, consistent enforcement, and wrap-around support has been challenging but it has also been quite rewarding. We have openly discussed the need for change and we have had many thoughtful and important conversations with families and students. We are learning from each other through this process and we are continuing to build a culture of safety, caring, and openness with each other that will only strengthen the School.

Warm Regards,
Randy Richardson
Headmaster

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11.18.2009
Oliverian Launches New Giving Page Feature on School's Website
Oliverian is pleased to announce the launching of a new "Giving" page on the School's website, www.oliverianschool.org/giving. Created to serve as an informational resource for prospective donors to the School, the Giving page will also help to make supporting the 2009-2010 Annual Fund a process that is quick, easy and secure. In addition to Annual Fund and Planned Giving information, the Giving page also features the School's new Wish List. Please check this ever-changing list regularly to learn more about the items that our students, faculty, and staff are requesting to make their Oliverian experience even more vibrant and rewarding. Parents, alumni, and friends of the School might find it surprising how affordable some of the Wish List items can be. If you'd like further information on Wish List items, please contact Oliverian's Director of External Affairs, Carl Lovejoy, at clovejoy@oliverianschool.org or at 603-989-5368, extension 7101.

Annual Fund Reminders: While responses to our October Annual Fund appeal letter have been very positive, we remind you that December 31 is right around the corner, and we hope that those who have not yet made their gift will consider including Oliverian in their end of year giving. Oliverian grandparents and other friends of the School, age 70 1/2 and older, might want to consider making a gift to Oliverian from their IRA accounts before 2009 comes to a close. Re-authorized by Congress in 2008, potential donors to Oliverian are allowed to make charitable gifts from their IRA accounts without incurring income tax on the withdrawal.

To qualify:

• You must be age 70 ½ or older at the time of the gift.
• Transfers must be directly from a traditional or Roth IRA account by your plan provider to Oliverian. Funds that are withdrawn by you and then contributed do NOT qualify. Gifts from 401k, 403b, SEP and other plans do not qualify.
• Gifts must be outright. Distributions to donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, or life-income arrangements such as charitable remainder trusts and gift annuities are not allowed.

Benefits – Qualified charitable distributions:

• Can total up to $100,000.
• Can be excluded from your gross income for federal income tax purposes on line 15a of Form 1040 (no charitable deduction is available, however).
• Can be used to satisfy your Minimum Required Distribution (MRD).
• Are not subject to the 50% deductibility ceiling or the 2% rule.

As with this or any such gift, donors should always consult their financial advisors. If you have any questions or comments about this or any issues regarding supporting The Oliverian School, please contact Carl Lovejoy at clovejoy@oliverianschool.org or 603-989-5368, extension 7101.

Respectfully,
Carl Lovejoy
Director of External Affairs

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11.17.2009
Acoustic Open Mic Night around the Bonfire
Nothing says “campy” like a guitar, a bonfire and poetry readings atop Iron Mountain on a cold autumn evening. Matthew Brown, Director of Residential Life, and Maurice Liddy, Dorm Parent, coordinated an Acoustic Open Mic Night for the Oliverian students, fully equipped with rustic camping and bonfire fun.

Maurice manned the guitar and Matthew worked his camera. The evening started with Maurice and Tiana LoVullo ’10 singing Johnny Cash's "Where I'm Bound." Once the mic was warmed up, a variety of songs hit the air, such as Radiohead's "No Surprises." Caroline Hill ‘10 and Ben Davidson ’10 sang "The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson. Ben also sang one of his original songs, "Don't Call Me" which was a great hit throughout the crowd. The campfire sing-along concluded with a storming version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” where just about every student of the group joined in. It was really quite moving; perhaps the Oliverian Chorus is born!

The more civilized group separated and went in the cabin for a reflective atmosphere of fine poetry readings from Ben. While the “die hards” stayed out in the frosty air till 2:30 in the morning comforted by the blazing fire, s’mores, more raucous singing and storytelling. Everyone did eventually join the warmth of the cabin in an attempt for a good night’s sleep despite the relentless snoring!

To view more pictures, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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11.13.2009
Broadening Oliverian’s Admissions Outreach – Operation Asia!
While the Oliverian Admissions office has, over the years, traveled extensively throughout the United States to introduce our unique school to prospective students and their parents, educational consultants and school and program administrators, never had we made such a trip outside of the country until recently. On Monday, October 26, Carl Lovejoy, Oliverian’s Director of External Affairs, embarked on a two week journey that would take him to the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan. Recruiting students in the “fertile” market that is Asia has been an important, and successful, part of the strategic enrollment practices of most schools and colleges over the course of the past few years. This year alone, more than 150,000 Chinese students, for example, are studying in the United States. In an effort to bolster Oliverian’s enrollment and increase both the geographic and cultural diversity on campus, it makes great sense to explore new markets such as this.

Each year, The Association of Boarding Schools, hosts recruitment fairs in nine Asian cities, including Tokyo, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and New Delhi. Oliverian was represented by Lovejoy at three such TABS events, on October 30 in Shanghai, November 1 in Beijing, and November 4 in Taipei, Taiwan. In addition to these highly promoted and exceptionally well attended fairs, Lovejoy spent his time as he would if he were representing Oliverian in Texas, Illinois or California – visiting with teachers and educational consultants (known as “agents” in Asia), holding seminars, and interviewing a plethora of prospective students and their parents. One particular highlight of the trip for Lovejoy was his excursion by train, solo, to the magnificent city of Hangzhou, some two hours from Shanghai. In Hangzhou, Lovejoy made a presentation to a large group of school administrators, including the Superintendant of Schools of this city of some 2,000,000 people. After the presentation, Lovejoy was able to visit two additional Hangzhou public schools where he met with interested students eager to hear more about the Oliverian School.

Throughout his time in China and Taiwan, Lovejoy found students and parents interested in Oliverian for the same reasons our more traditional families do – strength in academics, growth through adventure and success in service. The Asian families found the small size of Oliverian’s student body particularly compelling, for they know their child will be safe and well-taken care of by a devoted and omnipresent faculty and staff. Lovejoy was pleased to discover that the English skills of the majority of the students with whom he met to be quite strong, as the typical student in China begins his or her study of English at a very early age, and that many of the students have had the good fortune to travel outside of their country. Lovejoy was also excited that so many of the students with whom he met expressed an interest in both music and the visual arts, helping to ensure that their Oliverian experience would be even further enhanced.

Carl returned to the States on November 7th excited – and exhausted! Knowing that Oliverian, like any relatively new school, must continue to travel extensively to both establish new relationships and make sure that those who have supported us in the past are well-aware of our recent programmatic enhancement, we look forward to other such recruitment trips. As a matter of fact, plans will soon be finalized for a trip to Mexico City in February 2010. That said; don’t be surprised if you find Lovejoy or Oliverian’s Director of Admissions/Headmaster Emeritus, Barclay Mackinnon, soon visiting you in a city much closer to home! We look forward to such visits – and thank you, in advance, for your continued support of Oliverian.

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11.11.2009
Electives Week Highlights: Taste of the World
In this course, students traveled the world without even leaving the kitchen. Each day of the week, the class, led by Abby Hood and Jonna Book, studied the culture, traditions, and cuisine of a different region of the world. Work culminated in the production of a meal from one of those regions each day, which we served to the community for lunch.

Dishes included Ema Datshi (Chilies and Cheese dish from Bhutan), Boiled Bacon and Cabbage (Ireland), Kafta and Fattoush (not sure of spelling, from Lebanon), Tamaaya (falafel like dish from Sudan), and Arroz con Pollo (Cuba).

While cooking occupied the vast majority of our time in class, students also researched and presented information to the community about each region’s language, culture, and cuisine. The goals of the course were twofold: to gain and share a greater understanding of cultural difference and diversity through the study of food, language, and traditions; and to provide lunch and learning experiences to the Oliverian community for 5 days.

To view more pictures, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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11.09.2009
Public Health Update
A Summary of General CDC Public Health Messages Related to H1N1 Refer to www.cdc.gov and www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/asthma for updated information on asthma and H1N1; we invite you to link to these sites.

• Flu activity is widespread in 48 states and nationally, reports of influenza-like illness continue to increase sharply in the United States. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and flu-related deaths are higher than expected for this time of year.
• While influenza is unpredictable, high levels of influenza activity may continue for several weeks, and even after flu activity peaks, it’s possible that other waves of influenza activity may occur – caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses.
• CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick, and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.
• 2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun and more vaccine is being shipped each week. We ask members of the public who want to receive this vaccine to be patient as this program expands and more vaccine becomes available. There will be enough vaccine available for anyone who wishes to receive it.
• It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people who are very sick (for example people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, like people with asthma, diabetes or people who are pregnant.

2009 H1N1 and Asthma (New)

• Asthma affects 7.9% percent of the U.S. population and is the cause of nearly a half-million hospitalizations each year.
• People with asthma are at increased risk for severe complications of influenza, including 2009 H1N1 flu.
• People with asthma account for approximately 32% of 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations in the United States, according to recent data from the Emerging Infections Program, a CDC surveillance system that tracks influenza-related hospitalizations.
• People with asthma need to have their asthma well-controlled and should have an updated asthma action plan. Medication to control asthma (usually inhaled corticosteroids) should be used as prescribed by each patient’s health care provider.
• Less than half of people with asthma seek treatment promptly when they are sick with flu-like symptoms.
• Because people with asthma are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications, they should seek treatment promptly when ill with either influenza like illness (ILI) or an asthma exacerbation.
• People with asthma with suspected 2009 H1N1 infection should be treated promptly with oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu®). Zanamivir (trade name Relenza®) is NOT recommended for people with asthma.
• People with asthma should get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot (injectable, inactivated formulation only).
• People with asthma also are recommended to get the seasonal flu shot (injectable, inactivated formulation only).
• People with asthma should NOT get the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the nasal spray vaccine, for either seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1.

2009 H1N1 Hospitalizations in People with Asthma

• People with asthma are at higher risk for serious complications from flu, including 2009 H1N1. As a result, people with asthma are at higher risk of hospitalization.

2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

• (Updated) As of Tuesday, November 3, 2009, a total of 31,839,200 doses were available for ordering. Of those available doses, 22,682,300 doses were injectable (flu shots) and 9,156,900 were LAIV (nasal spray vaccine).
• All states and the District of Columbia have placed orders for vaccine, and more orders are expected daily.
• 2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun but initial supplies are small. More doses are expected for shipment each week. We ask members of the public who want to receive this vaccine to be patient as this program expands and more vaccine becomes available. There will be enough vaccine available for anyone who wishes to receive it.

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11.06.2009
2009-2010 Flu Season
This season’s flu has been on our minds since the end of last school year. Much is being done around the country to monitor and educate regarding the flu due to the emergence of the H1N1 flu virus. H1N1is a type of flu considered pandemic because of the number of people that it has affected around the globe. It is important to know that the term pandemic applies to the number of regions affected by this flu, not the severity of the flu.

The Oliverian School has been preparing for the flu season since the students arrived on campus. We have discussed plans to separate students who may become sick. We’ve done education regarding cough etiquette and hand washing. The students have been educated regarding the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu. We also had a flu clinic last week where we immunized 23 of our students against the seasonal flu.

The H1N1 flu has the same symptoms as the seasonal flu. These symptoms are fever (greater than 100.0), sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, fatigue, chills and body aches. The state of New Hampshire is not testing for the flu except in hospitalized patients, healthcare workers, and other specific groups. We have been advised to treat symptoms and to use everyday techniques to prevent disease transmission.

Please see the following websites for more information regarding the H1N1 flu:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Department of Health and Human Services

Flu.gov

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11.04.2009
Electives Week Highlights: Public Art
Participants in Public Art helped create a large scale mural that will be displayed in the cafeteria for all to see. Led by Bessa Axelrod and Tiffany Zimmerman, the class used big brush techniques to create dramatic and expressive pieces out of ink they ground by hand.

To view pictures of all electives week classes, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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11.03.2009
Student Support is our Foundation
Message from Headmaster, Randy Richardson
I look forward to traveling with Barclay Mackinnon and Erika Hoddinott to the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) Conference in Charlotte, NC at the end of next week. Many Oliverian students have come to our school through IECA consultants, and I am eager to build strong relationships with these professionals and making sure they understand my vision and Oliverian’s unique approach. We want to do everything we can to help ensure that the match is right between Oliverian and a prospective student, and Barclay, Erika and I look forward to spreading the Oliverian word to as many people as we are fortunate enough to connect with next week.

With the importance of fully understanding the Oliverian way in mind, I have been striving to clarify our mission and pillars since I joined Oliverian this past summer. While I am passionate about the unique framework of Oliverian, I did not feel there was enough mission emphasis on student support, given that the three highlighted Oliverian pillars are limited to academics, stewardship and adventure. In an effort to improve upon the architecture, I tried to sell the idea of a fourth student support pillar, and I was met with some intrigued but reluctant reactions from the faculty. Part of the reason for the reluctance became clear when I floated the idea by Lauren Estebanell, our Director of Student Support. She quickly explained that we did not need a fourth pillar because student support is already the foundation holding up our three pillars.

As I have now fully experienced a few rewarding months at Oliverian, I have seen the student support teams in full action. Every student has a counselor, an advisor, a dorm parent and a full set of morning and afternoon teachers. With advisor groups of 3 or less, dorms of 5 to 12 students, an average class size of about 6 and with a team of four counselors devoted to a small student body, the number of deep faculty/student connections that happen every day is truly inspirational. Every day and night, I am involved in multiple conversations with other administrators and faculty that reveal a deep knowledge and caring for our students.

The foundation of student support at Oliverian is deep and strong. The freedom and responsibility that comes with the part of our school that is a traditional boarding school is set on top of an extensive support program and caring culture that serves as both a foundation and a safety net. It is exciting to be part of a great team that is still building and developing this unique school. I look forward to the IECA Conference with enthusiasm in my goal to share all that Oliverian has accomplished this year toward providing a more structured and well-rounded student support program to our student population.

Warm Regards,
Randy

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11.02.2009
Electives Week Highlights: Build Yourself a Compost Tumbler
Jay DesTroismaisons led this electives week course and taught students the principles of making compost as they constructed their own compost tumbler out of mostly recycled materials. Compost tumblers allow for more efficient composting as they facilitate frequent mixing of the organic material. Students learned the value of composting and the role composting plays on the environment.

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10.29.2009
Faculty/Student Soccer Game Defeats the Rain
Rainy, dismal weather threatened to cancel the faculty vs. student soccer game, but everyone battled through the rain and had a blast anyways! Faculty maintained their reigning undefeated title, although they may have had an extra advantage with two mascots chasing the ball on the field (resident dogs Koby and Bode.) Paul and Brett did help out on the student team in effort to even things out.

The score reached 11students-7staff, but students forfeited the game leaving the win to faculty. Maybe the weather did get to be too much for the crew???

To view more pictures, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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10.27.2009
Electives Week Highlights: Trail Miles
Over the course of the week, students got to know one of the Oliverian horses very well. Carla King, Horsemanship Instructor,assigned a horse to each student at the beginning of the week and they spent the first four days learning the specifics of that horse both from the ground and in the saddle.

The group did exercises to get both horse and rider in shape for the final day: a trail ride up to the top of Iron Mountain where the class took in some refreshments along with a magnificent view of the Oliverian Valley.

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10.26.2009
Electives Week Highlights: Primitive Skills (Brain Tanning)
Brian Sullivan led this daring course as the group got to the down and dirty of how primitive people process the hides of animals they harvested. The group obtained hides and brains from a local farm and processed them from flesh to a finished product.

The students learned a lot about the process as well as the historical / spiritual significance of this dying art. Needless to say, the group got very dirty and SMELLY! During times when class was not working on their hides, they explored and developed other primitive skills.

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10.23.2009
Electives Week Highlights: Unfinished Business
Lauren Estebanell & Carrie Curtis developed this class for students wishing to finish incomplete projects or see a new project through from start to finish. This class provided the time and opportunity to complete a hands-on project of the students’ choice.

Whether it was sewing, quilting, scrap booking, refinishing furniture, or making their own book, this was a student inspired class in which everyone had the opportunity to pick their own project and feel the satisfaction of a job well done!

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10.20.2009
Stewardship Day Fall '09-Firewood Drive
Here are the pictures I promised to share of the Firewood Drive. At family weekend, students put together and presented a slideshow of these pictures depicting their day on the Firewood Drive. Students and faculty chopped, split, delivered and stacked 5 cords of wood to 5 families in need of heating assistance.

Photography class (Hanni Morgentaler, Brittany Hoffman, Caroline Hill and Ben Davidson) documented the day with these wonderful photographs. Bessa even got pictures of the infamous "moment of impact" when Greg hit a recipient's roof with the truck as they delivered the wood! The woman was very understanding and Greg will be making a trip out there this week to repair the damage! We love you Greg!

To view more pictures, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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10.19.2009
Family Weekend, What a Turnout!
We were delighted with the great turnout for family weekend, beginning on Thursday and ending Sunday. Friday evening certainly was the highlight of the weekend with hors d'oeuvre being served in the Mackinnon Center as the new “Essence of Oliverian” dvd (Thank you Tom Townsend!) made its premier showing to families. Jay Destroismaisons and Adam Bartkoski prepared a delectable dinner for everyone in the Townsend Library.

Dessert and coffee was followed in the Meeting House where Caroline ‘10, Maurice and Brett performed stirring live musical performances. Randy and Greg presented slideshows depicting the Firewood Drive and Oliverian Life. There was a warm and supportive atmosphere in the air as students shared their experiences and appreciations at school with their families. Oliverian parent, Virginia Waters, expressed her own appreciation to Randy in a recent email wrapping up family weekend, “Every time we come and visit we are reconfirmed that Oliverian is the best place for James.”

To view more pictures, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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10.15.2009
Firewood Drive, Success Through Service
In an effort to cultivate a life-long commitment to service, Oliverian faculty and students recently participated in the Firewood Drive as part of a Stewardship Day service learning activity. Under the leadership of Jesse Mohr, Director of Stewardship, the School delivered firewood to five local families in need of heating assistance. The entire school was involved from delivering wood, as well as cutting, splitting and stacking new wood to rebuild the store for next year’s donation. Families were grateful for the service the Oliverian students provided and students felt content after a day of hard work and community service.

We have MANY pictures to share, but you will have to come back Monday to see them. The Photography Class did an excellent job of documenting the day and they will reveal their photos to parents in a slideshow Friday night at Family Weekend. Check back at the website Monday for an update on more fun pictures of the Firewood Drive, as well as pics of Greg Vogel backing the truck into the roof of one lucky recipient of the firewood!

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10.13.2009
First Snow of the Season
October 13th and we got 2 inches of snow already! Jordan Eisenhauer reminded us that Family Weekend last year he was wearing shorts and a t-shirt! While I doubt the snow will stick til Family Weekend, it will certainly won't be shorts weather.

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10.08.2009
Oliverian Receives Major Gift in Support of
Photography Program
Oliverian recently received a major gift to establish and support a photography program at the School. Given by Dr. Sue Edbril and Ken Witkin, mother and step-father of Hanni Morgentaler ’11 (Wellesley, MA), and other members of the Edbril family and a close family friend, in memory of Dr. Edbril’s late father, the gift has given the School the ability to expand our fine arts programming and offer a photography course this fall.

Matthew Brown, Director of Weekend Programming and Co-Director of The Oliverian Summer Program, is teaching the class to 4 avid student photographers. “When Sue Edbril first started talking about establishing a photography program at Oliverian I had no idea that we would be where we are today. Working with Sue on this project has been a pleasure and the generosity of Sue and the entire Edbril family has really been inspiring. Thanks to the generous gifts of the Edbrils, Oliverian students have an opportunity to explore yet another exciting creative outlet and gain confidence in their own abilities as artists and active observers of the world around them. It really has been a gift to me to be a part of a class that students are so excited to take part in and in which together we are finding beauty and wonder in the seemingly ordinary. I am so excited to be a part of Oliverian's fledgling Photography program and look forward to the continued support of our generous Oliverian families to make opportunities like this possible for years to come.”

Dr. Edbril, a well-known Boston area psychologist, has been extremely pleased with her daughter’s experience at the School, and wanted to support Oliverian in a meaningful way. “Oliverian is an exceptional school with exceptional faculty and, now, students with a passion for photography can pursue that passion. By making this gift, not only were my husband, Ken Witkin, and I able to have an immediate impact on the lives of the students, we were also able to support members of the Oliverian faculty who needed assistance in getting a new, much needed program off the ground. We are very pleased that this vibrant program taps into the artistic talents of the kids, making them feel good about themselves.”

When asked if there was special meaning associated with making the gift in memory of her father, Dr. Edril added, “My father was an exceptional jeweler and businessman, and I always saw the artist in him. I would like to think this gift is a way to celebrate his talent.”

The Edbrils’ support of photography at the School has spurred others to do similarly. In response to requests from Oliverian’s Director of External Affairs, Carl Lovejoy, a number of Upper Valley residents have made generous donations of both cameras and darkroom equipment. “As soon as the word got out that Sue and her family were helping to establish a photography program at the School, I became inundated with emails from photographers in the greater Hanover area, eager to get involved. The beautiful cameras and other equipment we received are being put to good use by Matt and our students, and we all thank our generous donors for their enthusiastic support of the arts at Oliverian.”

Oliverian student photography can be found on the Oliverian School flickr, the Oliverian facebook page and an on-campus photography exhibition is being planned for Family Weekend on October 17-19.

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10.07.2009
Following the Path of Henry David Thoreau
Today Ben Davidson '10 follows the path of Henry David Thoreau in his quest of awareness and respect for nature. Ben began his senior project today to live on top of Iron Mountain for 5 days by himself. That's right. All by himself. For 5 days. After his journey, Ben will report back to his fellow Oliverian students all that he learned on his insightful project.

As part of graduation requirements all seniors must complete their senior project before making "the walk" down Alumni Hall to receive their diploma. With the aid of a faculty mentor, seniors choose their project, create a timeline, write a significant paper on their project, and present their project to faculty and students at community meeting. While most seniors do not dive into their projects until early spring, Ben has a jump-start on his and we all look forward to hearing him tell of his experience on Iron Mountain at a community meeting soon to come. Good luck Ben!!!

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10.06.2009 Electives Week Offers a Taste of the World

Electives offerings are here and students have many options to choose from. Electives Week begins Monday, Oct. 19th and ends Friday, Oct. 23rd. In place of regular morning and afternoon classes, Oliverian offers intensive Elective Courses of 3.5 hours each. Students are given the opportunity to explore new interests while gaining academic credit during electives. The week is strategically placed throughout semesters to break up blocks of time and revitalize student interest in academics. At Oliverian, we recognize that our students have many different skills and interests. Electives Week provides an additional opportunity for faculty to inspire our students and challenge them in new and exciting ways. A few of the course offerings include: Taste of the World, Wonders of Wildlife, and Primitive Skills (Brain Tanning). For a complete list of course offerings and descriptions, click here.

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10.05.2009
Ruth and Paul Got Hitched!
About 100 people gathered on a clear and cool Saturday on Block Island, RI recently to honor the marriage of Paul Dzurec and Ruth Peterle. The Wedding was preceded by a 5k run (or mo-ped ride) from The Spring House, where the wedding was held, to a lighthouse over-looking the Atlantic and a BBQ rehearsal dinner on the beach. The bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, and the wedding went off wonderfully. The happy couple will honeymoon in mid October at an undisclosed location. While the newlyweds did not meet at Oliverian, they are both faculty at the School, Ruth being the School Nurse and Paul is our English Teacher. Three cheers to the happy couple!

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10.02.2009
"The Mountaineers" Bring in a Close Game
Wednesday night, The Oliverian Soccer Team (The Mountaineers) hosted their first game of the season complete with a hearty entourage of fans to cheer them on. While The White Mountain School did take home the win, 3-2, the Oliverian team made Coach Brett Wanner proud as they ruthlessly worked the field.

Jordan Eisenhower drove home the 2 Oliverian goals of the game and kept the White Mountain goalie on his toes. While many players fiercely hustled the ball, Richard Franklin took home the “MVP” title as goalie for his countless saves in front of the net. Burgers were grilled, marshmallows melted in hot cocoa, and the fans cheered raucously as the Oliverian Mountaineers made a valiant effort on the field.

To view more pictures, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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9.30.2009
Press Release: "ACHS Partners with the Oliverian School"
Ammonoosuc Community Health Services’ Warren site is pleased to announce its partnership with the Oliverian School in Haverhill. The Oliverian School is an alternative boarding school that provides an inspiring, supportive, and challenging educational alternative for students in grades 9-12.

Being a student at a boarding school can present challenges in accessing health care away from home. ACHS will be working with the Oliverian School to bridge that gap. It will be the main site of care for the 2009-2010 school year. A health care professional will be at the school 1 day a month coordinated with the school nurse, in addition to students having access to critical health care needs at the ACHS-Warren site.

Founded in 1975, Ammonoosuc Community Health Services is a nonprofit community health center offering a network of affordable primary health services. Their programs promote and support the well-being of individuals and families by emphasizing preventive care and encouraging active participation in one’s own health.

ACHS serves 26 New Hampshire towns in northern Grafton and southern Coos counties and has sites located in Littleton, Franconia, Whitefield, Warren and Woodsville. Clinical teams, made up of doctors, nurse practitioners or physician assistants supported by nurses and medical assistants, provide comprehensive services on a sliding fee scale to over 10,000 patients.

For more information about ACHS, visit www.ammonoosuc.org or call 603-444-2464.

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9.29.2009, Valley News
"Small School’s New Leader Has Big Plans"
Headmaster Randy Richardson was featured in today’s “School Notes” edition of the Valley News, written by Katie Beth Ryan. In the article, Randy explains the special niche the Oliverian School has carved out for itself between therapeutic programs and traditional boarding schools, “We deliberately put ourselves somewhere in between, where we can help kids who need extra support, but also allow them to be students at a school that is more of a traditional school.” Read more on Randy’s interview.

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09.25.2009
Oliverian Soccer Team Gears Up for their First Game
The co-ed Oliverian Soccer team has faithfully been practicing all their best moves in preparation for their first game against the White Mountain School this Friday at 3pm. Oliverian will have home turf advantage as the game will be on campus.

Coach Brett Wanner says that the team’s enthusiasm has been great this year and they have been busy training for their upcoming game. The season’s schedule is as follows:

9/25 vs White Mountain (home)

10/21 vs. White Mountain (away)

10/23 vs. Parker Academy (tba)

10/30 vs Parker Academy (tba)

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09.24.2009
Message from Headmaster, Randy Richardson
As we catch our breath after the busy first weeks of school, we are excited to report that we have had a great start to the year here at Oliverian. It has been heartwarming to watch bonds develop between our committed faculty and engaged student body. The balance of our student body, with about half of our students new and half returning and approximately half male and half female, has helped make the transition positive and interesting.

We deliberately focused our first week of orientation on getting to know each other as well as our campus and program. A few Stewardship projects that students participated in involved clearing a new mountain biking trail, painting the fence for the new horse program, weeding, harvesting and preparing vegetables from our gardens to share with a local food pantry.

One of the highlights of orientation was hike and overnight camping trip on campus. We hiked up Iron Mountain to a great campsite and cabin that was built by former students. While this was a new and challenging experience for some, the group had a very positive experience bonding with each other and coming close to nature and the stillness of life Iron Mountain has to offer. Most of the evening was spent huddled around the campfire while sharing jokes, stories, life experiences along with plenty of s’ mores.

While not every part of orientation has been fun and games, the students have adjusted quite well to recent changes at school. Based on some challenges we have had in the past, we, as a faculty, are determined to diminish student smoking on campus. As one of the leading causes of death in America, Oliverian takes smoking seriously and its damage to our community. While some students have balked the stricter enforcement and heavier penalties for smoking, as well as other infractions, students are coming to understand and ultimately appreciate the clear and consistent boundaries we present this year.

As we moved beyond orientation, students and teachers have enthusiastically dived into classes. I have overheard and been engaged in a number of hallway conversations about intriguing ideas and learning. I have had the pleasure of talking with students about everything from a potential “Waldenesque” senior project at one of our cabins to the challenges of creating a truly original work of art, to the work that goes into making a perfect hollandaise sauce, to the organization and effort it takes to build an interscholastic soccer schedule.

The learning and community spirit has fully expressed itself in our daily community meetings. While there is flexibility every day, the meeting is organized to include opening comments, a meaningful story, announcements, a creative opportunity for expression, and appreciations (public celebrations of someone else in the community). We’ve enjoyed live student and faculty musical performances fine enough to bring tears to some eyes. There have also been some tears of laughter as some students have been willing to share improvisational drama/comedy and a few spontaneous comedic moments. These are the kinds of community and learning moments that can nurture all aspects of academic and personal growth.

We certainly have had an inspiring start to the year, and we are looking forward with excitement and anticipation as we continue to grow and welcome more students into our community.

Warm regards,

Randy

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09.23.2009
The Oliverian Horses First Day at School
The horses arrived Tuesday afternoon after a long day of travelling from Pond Hill Ranch in Vermont to meet an eager group of faculty and students there to witness the horses’ grand entrance. The horses took to their lush pasture quite well. While everyone was raring to get up close and personal with the horses, the group gave the horses room to relax, soak in their new home, and familiarize themselves with their new family.

The Horsemanship program, led by Carla King, will begin Friday after the horses have had time to adjust to their surroundings. Students are eager to ride, and everyone is excited to name the horses, which will be voted on at community meeting in the near future.

To view more pictures, become a fan of Oliverian on facebook, or view them at the Oliverian School flickr page.

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09.18.2009
Back to School with an Intro to Photography
Students and faculty passed the first week of school with flying colors! Desks have been full with fresh paper, pencils, and open minds ready to soak in the new school year.

An “Introduction to Photography” class has been a popular addition to the fall lineup of classes. Led by instructor Matt Brown, the Photography Class has been studying the rule of thirds, perspective, angles and texture. Many fantastic photos have been created, such as the included photo, which was submitted by Brittany Hoffman ’10 for the upcoming photo contest. Good luck Britt!

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09.11.2009
Student Orientation Week Prepares Everyone for the New Academic Year
After a peaceful summer break, campus is suddenly full of life and bustling with students moving back on campus and acclimating to school. Student Orientation week has been filled with many smiles and hugs of old friends greeting each other back, along with making new friends and welcoming all of the new faces on campus. While some classroom time has been held to familiarize students with their faculty and curriculum, Student Orientation mainly has involved outdoor activities taking full advantage of the early fall warm weather and sunshine. One fundamental project for Orientation week was for students to paint the new horse fence to prepare for the Oliverian horses to arrive in just a few weeks!

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09.04.2009
Campus has been Full of Activity during Faculty Orientation
Oliverian faculty has been very busy preparing for the arrival of the 2009-2010 body of students to arrive next week. Along with facility renovations, administrative meetings and faculty orientation have been the primary focus of the past two weeks on campus.

A key goal of faculty orientation is to unify faculty around the mission, goals, and priorities for the upcoming year in every aspect of the work they do. Orientation also offers education, support and guidelines for teaching the full range of Oliverian students with the help of Ellen Engstrom from Landmark College. Ms. Engstrom led a “Universal Design” workshop that presented best practices for the high school classroom, based on research and on Landmark College’s decades of hands-on, practical experience. Faculty has also been preparing for student orientation and strives to make it a valuable, bonding, and fun experience for students as they make their way to Oliverian and acclimate to life on campus.

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08.28.2009
Oliverian Honors Headmaster Emeritus Barclay Mackinnon with the Naming of a New Fund in Support of Faculty Development
Oliverian is pleased to announce a new endowed fund, created to support the continuing education of the School’s already talented faculty (see description below). Individuals interested in making a tax deductible gift in support of this fund are encouraged to contact Oliverian’s Director of External Affairs, Carl J. Lovejoy, at 603-989-5368 (ext. 7101) or at clovejoy@oliverianschool.org.

The Barclay E. Mackinnon Jr. Fund for Faculty Professional Development
Established in 2009 to honor The Oliverian School’s founding Headmaster, The Barclay E. Mackinnon Jr. Fund for Faculty Professional Development is used to promote the ongoing professional growth of the School’s faculty.

Barclay’s lasting legacy at the School is the talented faculty he recruited to join him in realizing the unique educational vision that is the Oliverian experience. Barclay reveled in melding experienced educators with youthful teachers and, in doing so, created a vibrant learning environment in which the sometimes challenging Oliverian student could prosper. Barclay was also convinced that every Oliverian teacher, be that teacher veteran or neophyte, benefitted from professional development opportunities such as graduate study, in-service days, conferences and workshops. Such experiences served to not only ensure the professional growth of an energized faculty, but to serve as something of a reward to his hard-working colleagues for making the classroom experience a positive one for the Oliverian student body.

Unfortunately, as a young school with limited resources for professional development, Barclay was not always able to faculty requests for such opportunities. In establishing The Barclay E. Mackinnon Jr. Fund for Faculty Professional Development, resources will be available to future Oliverian headmasters so that the School’s teachers and administrators will have development opportunities available to them so that they may become even better educators and, in doing so, better serve the Oliverian student body.

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08.28.2009
Oliverian Shares its Campus with Williams College Men's Soccer
Oliverian opened its doors, and soccer fields, to welcome 24 players from Williams College Men’s soccer to use the dorms and grounds for preseason camp. The “Captains’ Practice,” led by seniors Conor Smith and Ben Mackinnon (yes, Barclay’s son), consisted of 7 days of drills, sprints, blocks and many, many goals. Greg Vogel, Oliverian’s Associate Headmaster, (and former Assistant Coach to Dartmouth Men’s Soccer) was quite eager to tie up his cleats and step up to the field to kick around a few balls with the team.

While the team spent many long, sweaty, grass stained hours on the field, they did manage to take in some of the sights around Oliverian and hike Mt. Moosilauke on what little time they did have off. Here’s to a successful year for the Williams College Men’s Soccer, Booyah!

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8.21.2009
"I feel as if I'm ready to take on life"-student testimonial

To my friends (or as normal students call them "my teachers")

I have just started my first day as a college student, weird, huh? But, the thing is, I'm ready and I cannot thank all of you enough for helping me BE ready for this day. All of you have helped me become the great person I am today. I have confidence, self-esteem, and I feel as if I'm ready to take on life. It may have taken 3 years to learn all this, but I wouldn't trade anything in the world for those years at Oliverian.

From moving into my dorm room (which is a triple) it only took me about an hour to unload and organize 3 duffle bags and 3 garbage bags full of things- it took my roommates 2 days. Walking down the halls, all I heard was "Mom, will you do this for me?" or "I don't know where to start!" I've already seen boys and girls crying about how they miss home even though they live 40 minutes away and how they don't know if they can survive classes.

You people have taught me all those skills that I need to start college life and life in general. All my teachers taught me how to take on a load by making sure I was challenged because you knew I could take it and that made me learn to take the stress of work. I can't IMAGINE being out of Delaware and away from my family if I hadn't gone to Oliverian (it's kind of funny if you actually try to imagine me if I didn't go to Oliverian and came to Colorado).

You all mean so much to me and I don't think I'll ever be able to forget any of you. You are my family and you always will be. I love you guys, please keep in touch!

With all the love in the world,
Fran Quillen '09

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08.19.2009
Message from Headmaster, Randy Richardson
The entire Oliverian campus continues to bustle with activity as we prepare for the arrival of students. A dedicated team is busy renovating and touching up dormitories and buildings to ensure that everything is ready for a year of living and learning. Administratively, we have been busy preparing faculty and student orientations, and to kick off the year with a combination of planning, hard work and bonding. Thanks to the outstanding support of founding leaders and veterans, Barclay Mackinnon and Greg Vogel, those of us who are newer to Oliverian have been able to quickly and effectively move into our new roles. It is a wonderful benefit to work with an Admissions Director and Associate Headmaster who live the mission every day and know virtually every student and family who has attended Oliverian.

I have also learned a great deal about Oliverian from some memorable moments this summer. It truly was a privilege to participate in the summer school graduation and hear the faculty speak so personally and thoughtfully about every single student. I was also very impressed with the creative and entertaining digital photography slideshow that highlighted student photographs from Hanni Morgentaler '11 and computer work from Raff Gardner '10.

I am very excited to announce that our new Dean of Students, Shane Gray, and his family arrived on campus just last week to join the Oliverian community. We greeted them at the Sugar House on a hot summer night with flowers and a small collection of campus neighbors and "movers" including Carl Stagg and Kimberly Moran and their families. Shane will be working with Directors of Residential Life, Rick Gaukel and Matt Brown, to support students from Community meeting time until lights out. Shane will focus on nurturing the campus community and helping to lead the residential faculty to best provide a safe, positive, and educational home away from home. Shane comes to us with impressive residential life credentials, including his recent leadership experience at the Milton Hershey School and previously at a Wilderness treatment center in Maryland. It is clear that Shane has outstanding skills to bring to the Oliverian School.

Thank you for your understanding and positive feedback as we do everything we possibly can to start the year off well. Along these lines, I offer a reminder that will be expecting students to arrive on Monday, September 7th, please let Kimberly Moran know as soon as possible if anyone needs to arrive at a different time.

We also want to be sure that everyone understands that we are continuing to expand our commitment to the Oliverian advisor program. Our goals for the program include identifying a primary support point person for every student and ensuring a strong connection with families. Advisors communicate regularly with families throughout the year, tailoring the communication method and schedule to meet the needs of the student and family (whether once a week or less often). I am particularly excited about working with Lauren Estebanell, Director of Student Support, to continue to develop the advisor program as one of the core components of our support for students. Our advisor program is built on a committed and outstanding faculty with an amazing 3 to 1 advisee to advisor ratio. These connections give advisors time and opportunity to truly know and support each and every student, and keep parents informed and engaged in a proactive and positive way.

Thank you again, and I look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!

Randy Richardson
Headmaster, The Oliverian School

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08.14.2009
Announcing the Arrival of Shane Gray, Dean of Students
Shane has recently moved to Pike, NH with his wife Sarah, son Will and daughter Evy from Hershey, Pennsylvania. In Hershey, Shane served as Home Life Administrator for the Milton Hershey School and was the key leader in a program designed to prepare 12th graders for life after they graduate high school. Prior to Milton Hershey, Shane was senior supervisor at a residential wilderness program in western Maryland where he worked with young men at a critical turning point in their lives. Mr. Gray has extensive experience with boarding school administration that blends well with his knowledge in counseling struggling adolescents in various settings.

Shane lives directly on campus with his family and joins the Oliverian administrative team to develop reliable systems for student accountability and to promote a campus culture that values student involvement and the development of character. In order to maintain stability across campus, Shane will be working mostly in the evenings and weekends collaborating closely with Directors of Residential Life, Rick Gaukel and Matt Brown, to ensure that learning continues beyond the academic day.

Attracted to the small community setting at the Oliverian School, Shane values the opportunity to get to know each and every one of the students on a personal basis. While Shane is very excited to form strong bonds with faculty as well, his goal is to ensure that everyone's talents and efforts are focused in the best possible way to support the success of the students. Each student brings their unique gifts and strengths to the Oliverian School and Shane hopes to inspire them to make meaningful contributions to the community. Students will quickly learn that Shane values sustained effort in the face of challenge and adversity much more than achievement. Rather than focusing on negative behavior, Mr. Gray holds high expectations for discipline on campus while he strives to be fair and consistent with a focus on repairing and strengthening the community.

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8.14.2009
"Our Sincerest Heartfelt Thanks"-parent testimonial
My wife and I just wanted to extend our sincere appreciation for the events of last week. We felt for the first time since our son's downward spiral began two years ago that he is on the way back to the land where responsible people live, a place where he can begin to feel better about himself and think about a future. In speaking with other parents, the consensus was that we know how extremely difficult it is to deal with teenagers who present all of the issues our children possess and to cope with all that around-the-clock with equanimity is almost an impossible task. But the teachers and team members at Oliverian impressed us with their caring and dedication and made us feel that our sons and daughters were in safe, firm hands.

I was also very impressed with the other students at Oliverian we had a chance to chat with and how considerate and thoughtful they were - I saw that as the truest reflection of the good work you are doing there. So please extend our sincerest heartfelt thanks to your staff and God bless you for the important work you do.

Joe Enright
(Oliverian parent 2010)

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08.04.2009
Oliverian Horses Trot onto Campus this Fall!
Horse lovers at Oliverian eagerly anticipate Fall 2009, when a small herd of horses will arrive on our campus. With the leadership of Carla King, Horsemanship Instructor, the horses of the Oliverian equestrian program will be used for trail riding throughout our 1,800 acres of land and scenic trails. In small groups of four or less, students will learn the basics of riding, trail riding, how to care for horses and barn maintenance. The horses come to the School from Pond Hill Ranch in neighboring Castleton, Vermont. Handpicked by Carla, the horses are gentle and experienced trail horses that are especially people friendly. The horses will stay at the Oliverian School throughout the academic year.



Carla brings great experience and knowledge to the Oliverian equestrian program. On top of a lifelong connection to horses, Carla graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Animal Science. Carla is especially excited to be involved with the creation and development of the program at Oliverian. She is also looking forward to teaching and dorm parenting as well as sharing her equine enthusiasm with everyone in the Oliverian community. As Carla comments “I am eager to be joining the Oliverian community and I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for horses and other animals with every member of the community. I look forward to seeing you at the barn!”

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08.01.2009
Message from Carl Lovejoy, Director of External Affairs
During my relatively brief time in Haverhill, I have traveled to almost ten states to speak with more than 100 parents, school administrators and educational consultants regarding the Oliverian experience. Such conversations have not only given me a better perspective of this unique institution, but a fuller appreciation for the mission, as well. This school, shaped by Barclay Mackinnon’s capable hands less than ten years ago, has already had an impact on so many youngsters, many of whom having found the traditional classroom experience a less than rewarding one in years past. Sitting in Haverhill, New Hampshire’s venerable Alumni Hall for Oliverian’s fifth commencement, I listened to members of the Class of 2009, their parents, and many recent graduates who had returned to celebrate with their former classmates, speak passionately about their Oliverian experiences. No surprise, many of these stories paid tribute to a teacher who had made going to school a pleasure, or a dorm parent who had served as a particularly special mentor. Although still very much a newcomer, I was particularly proud to be a member of the Oliverian family on that sunny day in May (one of the few we’ve had this summer!), and each opportunity I’ve had to speak with people who know the school much better than I since then has convinced me that Oliverian is serving students well, and that I am very fortunate to now be a part of this close-knit family.

As much as I enjoy being a part of the daily life of the school, an important aspect of my job is to get off campus and spread the good word of the Oliverian mission. As I do so, I will also be seeking the support of those who have the ability, as well as the inclination, to make a difference at the School. Difference makers come in many different shapes and sizes at a school such as ours, and potential supporters should realize that a gift to Oliverian truly makes an impact on the lives of our deserving students and their dedicated teachers. I look forward to having the opportunity to meet with many of you someday soon. Until then, I send you my sincerest best wishes.

Respectfully,

Carl J. Lovejoy
Director of External Affairs

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07.26.2009
Fenway Park's a Hit for an Oliverian Road Trip
On Sunday, July 26th, Oliverian faculty Bethany Bell and Brian Beck took Summer Session students on a road trip to Fenway Park to see the Boston Red Sox play the Baltimore Orioles.

The students planned this trip and rallied six students in all to cheer the Sox on. For many of the group, this was the first visit to "the Green Monster" as well as their first chance to take in a live Sox game.

Although the Orioles took home the win 6-1, the Oliverian group had a great time and all were thrilled with the excitement a road trip to Fenway had to offer!

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07.22.2009
Students Learn the Importance of Local Food Consumption
As part of the Oliverian Summer Stewardship Program, students help raise and care for 50 broiler chickens on campus. Students feed, water and ensure a clean habitat for the entire flock.

The chickens are free-range, rotating through Oliverian pastures following after the cattle. The project offers a valuable lesson to students as they care for and raise the food they find on their plate at the end of the day.

While students are spared the step of processing the meat, they are proud to know where their food came from and that that it was raised in a healthy and humane manner. Through this project, students develop a healthy relationship with their food and learn the importance of local food consumption and its relationship to our environment.

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07.16.2009
A Message from Headmaster, Randy Richardson
I knew The Oliverian School was the right match for me when I first visited campus several weeks ago. Now, after serving as Headmaster for a little over two weeks, I am even more thankful, impressed and optimistic. It is clear that the mission, deep commitment and outstanding work of the Wolter family, the Board, Barclay Mackinnon, and the faculty have built a unique and outstanding school for students in need of an alternative program and home away from home. As a result of this success, Oliverian continues to attract outstanding people, and I am excited to be a part of a gifted and experienced administrative team.

As Headmaster, I am leading Oliverian with Director of External Affairs, Carl Lovejoy. Carl brings a wealth of independent school knowledge and experience, and he has a mission driven, strategic and welcoming approach to this role that will help carry Oliverian toward new heights. Carl and I are working well together to simultaneously join and build an impressive, committed and talented administrative team that will ensure Oliverian serves our students and families even better in the years ahead.

Carl is heading up a strong external relations team that includes Barclay, our Headmaster Emeritus, in his new role as Director of Admissions. While Barclay will still have his eye toward connecting with parents and alumni, he was an obvious choice to fill in for Mike Doherty who, with Barclay, built our admissions program from scratch. While we are sad to see Mike go, we wish him well as he heads off to Kimball Union Academy where he will be able to resume his coaching career. It is hard to imagine a better person to whom Mike could pass the admissions baton. I am personally and professionally thankful to have Barclay on our administrative team. The two of us have already enjoyed hours of conversation about the history and culture of Oliverian, and I look forward to continuing to tap his knowledge and experience.

While I am striving to learn everything I can about Oliverian, I am focusing most of my attention on the program and our work with students. I am very lucky to be teaming up with Associate Headmaster, Greg Vogel, to concentrate on the vital balance between supporting and challenging our students. Greg’s experience, skill, dedication and thorough knowledge of Oliverian make him an invaluable resource and partner. While we are working with our outstanding faculty to ensure our program is intentional, individualized and structured from the classroom to the dorm, we continue to do so with an eye toward fostering maturity and independence in preparation for college and life after Oliverian. All of us are building upon the pillars of our school: an alternative educational program enhanced by adventure, stewardship and a thoughtful balance between support and challenge. Whether we are teaching, advising, counseling, or dorm parenting, we do so looking to take advantage of every opportunity to teach, learn and engage fully with students.

In addition to being surrounded by great people, I am thankful to be arriving at a time when the Board is already involved in the process of reviewing and revitalizing the mission and goals of the School. The related research, reflection and planning will help the entire administrative and faculty team as we strive for continuous improvement.

Please feel free to call Carl or me at 603-989-5100 if you would like to hear more about our team and vision. I look forward to meeting you, and to sharing more Oliverian news in the months ahead.

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07.06.2009
Summer Session Update; Academics, Aquarium, Museum and Rockclimbing
Summer Session is off to a great start. Classes have been active, activities have been plentiful and many new friendships are forming. Students recently traveled to the Boston Aquarium on their first Friday trip. While the penguins were a favorite by many, the group also enjoyed historic Faneuil Hall in downtown Boston. Last Friday, the group visited the Currier Museum and the IMAX theater to escape the rainy weather.



This week marks the halfway point for everyone, the homesickness is starting to wear off as everyone prepares for the Midterm trip to Maine for camping and whitewater rafting. Some of the highlights of this week have been watching Luda stick her arm into a mountain of dirt to rescue six baby kingfishers and bring them to a wildlife specialist; seeing Tiana get so into her Women's Self Defense class she wants to keep doing it after the summer; rockclimbing with avid mountaineer Matt Brown, and of course, the multiple trips to Pink Shack and Fat Bob's for ice cream! A special thanks to student Hanni Morgentaler as our "guest photographer" this summer!

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6.30.2009
"All of this has been absolutely amazing"-parent testimonial
Hello!

Last week Matthew graduated from Mahopac High School, participated in the end of the year ceremony and is the recipient of a regents' High School diploma!! Even before his high school classes ended, Matthew sat for his college placement exams, has already chosen and received his fall schedule and will be meeting with the director of Student Services tomorrow before he attends NYIT's freshman orientation.

All of this has been absolutely amazing and would not have concluded in such a positive way without your help in establishing the foundation from which Matthew could build upon. Attached is a picture of our family sharing the joy during this very special moment.

Hope this message finds you well.
Best regards,
Sherry

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06.30.2009
The Oliverian School Welcomes New Headmaster,
Randy Richardson
On behalf of The Oliverian School, it is my pleasure to announce that Mr. Randle B. Richardson has been selected, by unanimous vote, as the new Headmaster of The Oliverian School. Randy most recently served as a consultant and sustainability specialist for the Breakthrough Collaborative, an alternative program focused on educational equity and teacher training. Randy has worked as a teacher, coach and administrator for over 20 years, including 6 years as the Head of School at The Derryfield School in Manchester, NH. Prior to Derryfield, Randy was a history teacher, coach, and Director of Residential Life at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, PA.

In addition to his experience and related skills in independent schools, Randy brings a deep personal and professional connection to the Oliverian mission. Since his early childhood, as the son of a boarding school administrator, Randy developed a love of independent schools as learning communities. As a result, he is committed to fusing support with challenge and independence with structure in all areas of school life.

As the father of a newly graduated senior who depended on a similar alternative school throughout her high school career, Randy is particularly excited about leading Oliverian. To guide a strength-based school that is attentive to the intellectual, creative, social and physical development of students, and that has a program based on strong academics, stewardship, adventure and wrap-around support is both professionally and personally meaningful to Randy. The connection between Randy's personal experience and Oliverian's mission brings significant meaning to his new role, "It is a privilege to have been chosen as Headmaster of The Oliverian School. I believe it is vital to have a good and genuine match between the needs and mission of school and its leadership, and I am confident and thankful that I have found the right school at the right time."

A graduate of The Roxbury Latin School, Hamilton College and Wesleyan University, Randy is uniquely qualified to lead Oliverian while further honing the School's mission crafted by our founding Headmaster, Barclay Mackinnon. Randy and his wife, Susi (an artist and writer), have two children, Liza (18) and Joshua (16). Randy will officially begin the transition to Oliverian on July 1, and he will move to campus in mid-August. I know you will join me in welcoming Randy to the Oliverian family later this summer.

Carl Lovejoy
Director of External Affairs

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06.09.2009
Summer Session is Rapidly Approaching
Hard to believe, but Summer Session 2009 is less than 2 weeks away! We are very excited about this year's program as it offers a great variety of credits, activities, and off-campus trips. The Oliverian School Summer Session begins on Sunday, June 21, 2009 and ends on Sat, August 8, 2009. Tuition includes academics, room, board, on-site counseling support, and a variety of activities. Financial aid packages are available.

Summer Session offers academic credit in English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Art. Additional activities include; horseback riding, rock climbing, organic gardening, martial arts, to name just a few. We are planning our midterm trip to Adventure Bound in Caratunk, Maine, to enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking, high and low-ropes course elements, camping out, and even have an overnight excursion into Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor for a little bit of shopping and much anticipated "beach bumming." The adventure week is designed to allow students a little bit of a breather between their daily schedules, and allow them to have an unforgettable summer!

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